BACKGROUND: Red clover, like soybeans, is rich in naturally occurring antioxidants called isoflavones. These substances also have very weak estrogen-like properties. Some research suggests that isoflavones may attach to estrogen receptors on cells -- fooling the body into believing that estrogen is present, but without the established risks of conventional hormone-replacement therapy.

RESEARCH: Researchers selected 30 menopausal women, ages 49-65 years, who were having at least five hot flashes daily. During the first phase of this study, researchers asked the women to take placebos for four weeks. During the second phase, women were then given either 80 mg of isoflavones from red clover extract or placebos daily for 12 weeks. Menopausal symptoms were tracked using the Greene Climacteric Scale Score.

RESULTS: While taking the placebos during the first phase of the study, the women had an average 16 percent decrease in the number of daily hot flashes. During the second phase of the study, women taking the isoflavone red clover supplements had an additional 44 percent decline in hot flashes but no further reduction occurred within the placebo group. Thus, women taking isoflavones from red clover extract had an overall 60 percent reduction in symptoms, and a 44 percent greater reduction than did women in the placebo group. The Greene Scale showed a trend toward more symptoms in the placebo group.

IMPLICATIONS: This study shows that women who take isoflavones extracted from red clover may benefit from a significant reduction in menopausal hot flashes.